Belgian Malinois vs Dutch Shepherd Dog vs Rottweiler Comparison

Quick Verdict

Who wins in each category?

Best for Apartments

🤝 Tie

Easiest Grooming

Rottweiler

1/5 · Low maintenance

Longest Lifespan

Belgian Malinois

12-14 years

Easiest to Train

Rottweiler

5/5 · Easy

Most Active

Belgian Malinois

5/5 · Active

Best for First-Time Owners

🤝 Tie

4/6

67%

Belgian Malinois

2/6

33%

Dutch Shepherd Dog

4/6

67%

Rottweiler

* This summary is based on data from our database. Always make your final decision based on your individual needs.

Basic Info

Origin
Belgium
Netherla
Germany
Popularity
#44
#525
#8
Common Names & Aliases
Malinois
Hollandse HerderDutch Shepherd Dog
RottRottie
Breed Classification
Purebred
Purebred
Purebred
Size Classification
Large
Large
LargeGiant
Weight Statistics
Male: 29-34 kg, Female: 27-32 kg
Male: 27-31 kg
Male: 43-59 kg, Female: 38-52 kg
Average Weight
Male: 31.8 kg, Female: 29.5 kg
Male: 29.7 kg
Male: 51 kg, Female: 45.4 kg
Height
Male: 61-66 cm, Female: 56-61 cm
Male: 56-63 cm, Female: 53-61 cm
Male: 61-69 cm, Female: 56-63 cm
Average Height
Male: 63.5 cm, Female: 58.5 cm
Male: 60 cm, Female: 57 cm
Male: 65 cm, Female: 59.5 cm
Intelligence Rating
4.5/5
4/5
5/5
Watchdog Rating
5/5
5/5
5/5
Training Difficulty
5/5
3/5
4/5
Territorial Protection
4/5
5/5
5/5
Price Range
$1200-$1400
$1000-$1200
$1200-$2000
Availability
5/5
2/5
5/5
Personality Traits
ActiveAlertConfidentFriendlyHard workingProtectiveStubbornWatchful
AffectionateAlertLoyalObedientReliableTrainable
AlertFearlessIndependentLoyalCourageousGood-naturedIntelligentProtective
Sensitivity Level
4/5
3/5
4/5
Impulse to Wander or Roam
4/5
2/5
2/5
Prey Drive
3/5
3/5
4/5
Affection Level
2/5
4/5
3/5
Social Needs
4/5
4/5
5/5
Barking Frequency
4/5
2/5
1/5
Playful Nature
5/5
4/5
3/5
Apartment Adaptability
3/5
3/5
3/5
Lifestyle Adaptability
5/5
3/5
3/5
Alone Time Tolerance
Low
Low
Very Low
Bite Risk Assessment
Low
Low
High
Mouthing Tendency
3/5
2/5
3/5
Bite Strength Rating
Between 100 and 200 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Between 200 and 400 PSI
Average Lifespan
12-14 years
11-15 years
8-12 years
Climate Tolerance
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Prefers average to warm weather conditions
Health Concerns
3/5
3/5
3/5
Health Problems
Elbow DysplasiaEpilepsyEye ProblemsHip Dysplasia
Not available
AllergiesAortic StenosisBloatElbow DysplasiaHip DysplasiaHypothyroidismOsteosarcomaPanosteitisSubvalvular Aortic Stenosis
Vet Care Frequency
Average
Average
Average
Energy Rating
5/5
4/5
4/5
Sleeping Need
1/5
2/5
2/5
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
5/5
3/5
3/5
Obesity Tendency
2/5
2/5
5/5
Food Consumption
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
3 to 4.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Recommended daily amount: 4 to 10 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Allergy Friendliness
No
No
No
Coat Colors
BrindleCreamFawnBlack
BlueBrindleGoldenGreySilverYellowSalt & Pepper
MahoganyTanRustBlack
Grooming Requirements
3/5
2/5
1/5
Shedding Level
3/5
3/5
3/5
Drooling Tendency
1/5
2/5
4/5
Stinkiness Rating
Medium
Medium
Medium
Coat Characteristics
StraightWeather-resistant
Wiry
Dense
Bathing Needs
8-12 weeks
8-12 weeks
4-6 weeks
Cat Friendly
3/5
2/5
3/5
Child Compatibility
4/5
3/5
2/5
Dog Friendly
3/5
3/5
1/5
Stranger Friendly
2/5
2/5
1/5
Office Friendly
No
No
No
Senior Citizens Friendly
Recommended
Average
Below Average
Pet Compatibility
Average
Below Average
Average
Good For First Time Owners
Yes
Yes
Yes
Service Dog Capability
Yes
Not really
Yes
Therapy Work Suitability
Not really
Not really
Yes
Scent Detection Ability
Yes
Yes
Not really
Search & Rescue Potential
Yes
Yes
Not really
Maritime Work Ability
Not really
Not really
Not really
Draft Work Capability
Not really
Not really
Yes
Military Service Background
Not really
Not really
Yes
Puppy Litter Size
6-10 puppies
6-10 puppies
8-12 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
60-64 days
60-64 days
60-64 days
Breeding Frequency
Once a year.
Once a year.
Once a year.
AKC Classification
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club as a Miscellaneous breed.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1931 as a Working breed.
FCI Classification
Not recognized by FCI.
Not recognized by FCI.
Recognized by FCI in the Pinscher and Schnauzer - Molossoid and Swiss Mountain and Cattledogs group, in the Molossian type section.
Kennel Club Recognition
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine RegistryAmerica's Pet RegistryContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleFoundation Stock ServiceNational Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryAustralian National Kennel CouncilCanadian Kennel ClubContinental Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.United Kennel ClubAmerican Canine Association, Inc.Colonial Rottweiler ClubDeutscher Rottweiler KlubInternational Rottweiler Club
Winner / Best value