American Akita vs Belgian Malinois
Compare American Akita and Belgian Malinois side by side and get a clear picture of what sets the breeds apart. Explore differences in size, weight, temperament, activity level, and other key traits to more easily decide which breed best fits your lifestyle and circumstances.
Characteristic
American Akita
Belgian Malinois
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
61 – 71 cm
57 – 62 cm
Weight
35 – 55 kg
20 – 30 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
4/5
5/5
Trainability
3/5
5/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
2/5
3/5
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Characteristics
American Akita
Super smart
Giant
Belgian Malinois
Super smart
Easy to train
Large
Summary
About American Akita
Large, powerful spitz-type dog with a broad, bear-like head and curled tail. Calm, loyal, and strongly protective with family, but reserved with strangers and often aloof with other dogs. Thick double coat sheds heavily. Intelligent, independent, and best suited to experienced, consistent owners.
About Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois: medium‑large, lean, and highly athletic herding dog with a short fawn coat and black mask. Extremely intelligent, intense, loyal, and people‑focused. Needs firm structure, daily mental work, and heavy exercise; thrives with experienced, very active owners.
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