Belgian Malinois vs Hovawart
Compare Belgian Malinois and Hovawart 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
Hovawart
Breed type
Purebred
Purebred
Height
57 – 62 cm
58 – 70 cm
Weight
20 – 30 kg
25 – 50 kg
Life expectancy
10 – 14 years
10 – 14 years
Child friendly
3/5
4/5
Energy level
3/5
4/5
Intelligence
5/5
4/5
Trainability
5/5
4/5
Health
4/5
4/5
Grooming needs
3/5
2/5
Shedding
3/5
3/5
Barking level
4/5
3/5
Aggressiveness
3/5
4/5
Sponsored Ad
Characteristics
Belgian Malinois
Super smart
Easy to train
Large
Hovawart
Great with kids
High energy
Super smart
Low grooming
Protective
Easy to train
Giant
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 Hovawart
Large, powerful German farm guardian with medium‑long weatherproof coat in black, black and tan or blond. Deeply loyal, calm and family‑focused, but reserved with strangers and strongly territorial. Intelligent, independent and late‑maturing, needing consistent training, mental work and ample exercise.
Similar breeds
View more











