Comparison: Belgian Malinois and Doberman Pinscher

Belgian Malinois and Doberman Pinscher are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Belgian Malinois
Photo: Manu, CC BY-SA 2.0, source
Doberman Pinscher
Photo: YamaBSM, CC0, source
Belgian MalinoisDoberman Pinscher
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)2. Pinscher and Schnauzer, Molossoid breeds, Swiss Mountain and Cattle Dogs
Country of originBelgiumGermany
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–62 cm63–72 cm
Weight25–30 kg32–45 kg
Life span12–14 years10–12 years
Recognition features
  • Short fawn coat with a black mask and black-tipped hairs
  • Lighter, finer build than a German Shepherd
  • Erect ears and proud neck carriage
  • Elegant, lean and muscular
  • Long narrow head, black or brown with rust markings
  • Short glossy coat
CoatShort dense fawn coat with a black mask.Short, hard, smooth coat, black or brown with rust.
PurposeThe short-coated Belgian shepherd variety from around Mechelen; today a top police, military and detection dog.Bred in the late 19th century by German tax collector Louis Dobermann as a personal guard dog.

Breed page: Belgian Malinois · Breed page: Doberman Pinscher

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.