Comparison: Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog

Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherd Dog 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
Dutch Shepherd Dog
Photo: Pleple2000, CC BY-SA 3.0, source
Belgian MalinoisDutch Shepherd Dog
FCI group1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)1. Sheepdogs and Cattle Dogs (except Swiss Cattle Dogs)
Country of originBelgiumNetherlands
CategoryLargeLarge
Height at withers58–62 cm55–62 cm
Weight25–30 kg–
Life span12–14 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
  • Medium-sized, well-muscled dog, always brindle (gold or silver)
  • Three coat varieties: short, long and wire
  • Intelligent, lively expression and erect ears
CoatShort dense fawn coat with a black mask.Three types: short hard coat with a woolly undercoat, long straight coat without waves, or dense, harsh tousled wire coat; always brindle.
PurposeThe short-coated Belgian shepherd variety from around Mechelen; today a top police, military and detection dog.A versatile Dutch herding dog, originally a farm shepherd, now used in service and sport, in three coat types.

Breed page: Belgian Malinois · Breed page: Dutch Shepherd Dog

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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.