Belgian Malinois vs Cairn Terrier
Compare Belgian Malinois and Cairn Terrier 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
Belgian Malinois
Cairn Terrier
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
57 – 62 cm
28 – 31 cm
Weight
20 – 30 kg
7 – 8 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
12 – 17 years
Child friendly
3/5
5/5
Energy level
3/5
3/5
Intelligence
5/5
3/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
4/5
Shedding
3/5
1/5
Barking level
4/5
4/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
2/5
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Characteristics
Belgian Malinois
Super smart
Easy to train
Large
Cairn Terrier
Great with kids
Easy to train
Small
Summary
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.
About Cairn Terrier
Small, sturdy Scottish terrier bred to hunt among rocky cairns. Around 28–31 cm tall with a harsh, weatherproof double coat needing regular stripping and brushing. Bold, curious, affectionate, and vocal; enjoys daily walks, mental stimulation, and active family life. Generally hardy and long-lived.
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