Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois

Compare the Australian Shepherd to the Belgian Malinois. Use the tool below to compare temperament, size, personality, maintenance requirements, and everything else between Australian Shepherds and Belgian Malinois.

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
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General Details
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Breed Type
Purebred
Purebred
Allergy Friendly
No
No
Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Height
18-23 Inches
22-28 Inches
Weight
40-65 Pounds
55-75 Pounds
Intelligence
Above Average
Above Average
History
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Origin Country
United States
Belgium
Origin Year
1840 AD
1891 AD
Temperament
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Overall Friendliness
Above Average
Below Average
Family Friendly
Above Average
Below Average
Child Friendly
Above Average
Average
Pet Friendly
None
Below Average
Stranger Friendly
Average
Below Average
Personality
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Traits
Affectionate
Loving
Willing to Please
Affectionate
Aggressive
Stubborn
Willing to Please
Living Environment
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Apartment
No
No
Indoor
Yes
Yes
Small Yard
Yes
Yes
Medium Yard
Yes
Yes
Large Yard
Yes
Yes
Temperature Tolerance
30-80 °F
30-80 °F
Barks/Howls
Average
Below Average
Exercise Needs
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Energy Level
High to Very High
High to Very High
Exercise Required
High
High to Very High
Top Running Speed
25 MPH
35 MPH
Strength
High
High
Grooming Needs
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Coat Maintenance
Medium
Low to Medium
Shedding
Medium
Medium
Dander
Medium
Medium
Drool
Low
Low
Instincts and Behavior
Breed Mentality
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Dominant / Alpha
No
Yes
Family / Pack
Yes
No
Independent
No
No
Breed Focus
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Distracted Easy
No
No
Focused & Patient
No
Yes
Breed Instincts
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Aggression
Below Average
Below Average
Burrow / Digging
Below Average
Below Average
Chasing
Below Average
Average
Follow Commands
Average
Above Average
Fighting
None
Average
Guarding
Below Average
Above Average
Herding
Above Average
Above Average
Hunting
Below Average
Below Average
Protection
Below Average
Above Average
Remove Vermin
None
Average
Sled Pulling
Below Average
Average
Watch / Guardian
Below Average
Above Average
Health Comparison
Lifespan
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Average Lifespan
12-15 Years
10-12 Years
Health Concerns
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Common Health Issues
Cancer
Cataracts
Hip dysplasia
Progressive retinal atrophy
Allergies
Epilepsy
Hypothyroidism
Elbow dysplasia
Osteochondritis Dissecans
Distichiasis
Deafness
Collie eye anomaly
Persistent pupillary membrane
Drug sensitivity
Collie nose
Retinal detachment
Hip dysplasia
Epilepsy
Elbow dysplasia
Eye problems
Appearance Comparison
Coat
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Coat Type
Fur
Fur
Coat Layering
Double
Wire
Coat Texture
Wavy
Straight
Coat Length
Medium to Long
Short
Coat Coloring
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Breed Colors
Black
Black
Blue Merle
Blue Merle
Red
Red
Red Merle
Red Merle
Black
Black
Cream
Cream
Fawn
Fawn
Gray
Gray
Liver
Liver
Red
Red
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