Australian Shepherd
Australian Shepherd
VS
Belgian Malinois
Belgian Malinois

Australian Shepherd vs Belgian Malinois

Compare Australian Shepherd 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
Australian Shepherd
Belgian Malinois
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
46 – 58 cm
57 – 62 cm
Weight
14 – 29 kg
20 – 30 kg
Life expectancy
13 – 16 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
3/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
3/5
5/5
Trainability
4/5
5/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
4/5
3/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
3/5
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Characteristics

Australian Shepherd
Easy to train
Medium
Belgian Malinois
Super smart
Easy to train
Large

Summary

About Australian Shepherd
The Australian Shepherd is a medium, athletic herding dog, highly intelligent and energetic. Loyal and people oriented, it bonds closely and needs substantial daily exercise, training, and mental work. Its striking, weather resistant coat and varied eye colors add to its appeal.
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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