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Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Comparison - Dog breed selector: Australischer Kelpie or Australian Cattle Dog or Malinois? Find the right dog for you

"Find similarities and differences between Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois" Compare Australian Kelpie and Blue Heeler. Which is better: Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
 
 
 
Name Australian Kelpie Blue Heeler Belgian Malinois
OriginsAustralia flagAustralia Australia flagAustralia Belgium flagBelgium
Group Working Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank52351844
Reviews4210
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare alternative names and nicknames used for Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois breeds.
Australischer Kelpie
Barb
Kelpie
Australian Sheepdog
Australian Cattle Dog
Cattle Dog
Queensland Heeler
Red Heeler
Malinois
Breed Classification
How do breed classifications differ between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois? Compare their breeding categories.
Purebred Purebred Purebred

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Compare size differences between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is the largest?
Medium Medium Large
Weight Statistics
How do weights compare between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois? Compare adult weight ranges.
25-45 pounds (11-20 kg) 30-62 pounds (13-28 kg) Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
35 pounds (15.5 kg) 46 pounds (20.5 kg) Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois? Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois height comparison:
17-20 inches (43-51 cm) Male: 17-20 inches (43-51 cm), Female: 17-19 inches (43-48 cm) Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
18.5 inches (47 cm) Male: 18.5 inches (47 cm), Female: 18 inches (45.5 cm) Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm)

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy costs for Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Find price differences between these breeds.
$500-$700 $400-$800 $1200-$1400
Availability
Which is easier to get, Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Rare: You may rarely see each other in everyday life, but you might catch a glimpse of each other at dog shows.
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Compare intelligence levels between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed ranks highest?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it.
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Smart: The Blue Heeler dogs have great intelligence.
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Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
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Training Difficulty
Compare training difficulty levels between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is easiest to train?
Australian Kelpie dogs are very easy to train.
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Blue Heeler dogs are easy to train.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
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Watchdog Rating
Compare watchdog abilities of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most alert?
Australian Kelpie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Blue Heeler dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
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Territorial Protection
Compare territorial instincts between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most protective?
Australian Kelpie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Blue Heeler dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
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Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
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Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
How do personalities differ between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois? Compare temperaments.
Energetic
Alert
Intelligent
Friendly
Loyal
Robust
Eager
Active
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Hard working
Resourceful
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
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Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois?
Average: Australian Kelpie dogs are average dogs regarding their affection level.
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Slightly Below Average: Blue Heeler dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
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Social Needs
Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois social needs comparison:
Australian Kelpie dogs need for social interaction is average.
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Blue Heeler dogs are kinda antisocial.
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Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct?
The wanderlust potential of the Australian Kelpie is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Blue Heeler is strong enough to escape from home.
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The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
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Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? Which can be better for hunting?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Blue Heeler dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average prey drive, which means that they don't have a high impulse to chase and catch something like a cat or any other small aminals, but it might happen.
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Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Compare barking frequencies of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most vocal?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie rarely barks.
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Low to Average: The Blue Heeler rarely barks.
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Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
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Playful Nature
Compare playfulness levels between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most playful?
The Australian Kelpie is a playful breed.
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The Blue Heeler is a highly playful breed.
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The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
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Apartment Adaptability
Compare apartment suitability of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which adapts best to small spaces?
It is not recommended to keep the Australian Kelpie breed in the home.
Not an apartment-friendly dog the Blue Heeler breed.
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Belgian Malinois indoors.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Compare adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most flexible?
Australian Kelpie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Average: Blue Heeler dogs adapt to lifestyle changes and different living environments quite okay usually.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner.
Blue Heeler dogs handle alone time quite well.
Belgian Malinois dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Compare biting potential between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has lowest bite risk?

Low 🔽

The Australian Kelpie has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Blue Heeler has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Compare mouthing tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which uses mouth most during play?
Australian Kelpie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Blue Heeler dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
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Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
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Bite Strength Rating
Compare bite forces between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has the strongest bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Australian Kelpie bite force: Ordinary.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Blue Heeler bite force: Ordinary.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Compare life expectancies of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed lives longest?
10-14 years
The average lifespan of Australian Kelpie: 12 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Blue Heeler: 13 years
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Compare weather adaptability between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which handles climate changes best?
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
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Health Concerns
Compare health problems common in Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has fewer health issues?
Australian Kelpies tend to have more frequent health issues than other breeds.
Blue Heelers are commonly healthy dogs.
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Vet Care Frequency
Which one may need more or less veterinary visits?
Frequent
The Australian Kelpie should have a complete physical check-up at least once (but preferably twice) per year.
Rare
The Blue Heeler should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year).
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Patellar Luxation
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Osteoarthritis
Cerebellar Abiotrophy
Collie Eye Anomaly
No data available Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Energy and Activity Comparison

Energy Rating
Compare energy levels between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which breed is most active?
Australian Kelpie dogs are high-energy dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are high-energy dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are high-energy dogs.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois exercise need comparison. Which dog needs more activity? Which dog needs the most exercise: Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois? Which dog needs the most walking? Which dog is the laziest?
Australian Kelpie dogs need quite a lot of exercise.
Blue Heeler dogs need a lot of exercises.
Belgian Malinois dogs need a lot of exercises.
Sleeping Need
Which one sleeps the least/most: Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
Australian Kelpie dogs don't need too much sleep.
Blue Heeler dogs don't need too much sleep.
Belgian Malinois dogs don't need too much sleep.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Compare weight gain tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is most prone to obesity?
Low to Average: The Australian Kelpie has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Blue Heeler's weight, he can easily gain weight.
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Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
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Food Consumption
Compare food requirements between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which needs most food?
1 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2.5 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Compare hypoallergenic qualities of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for allergy sufferers?
No See more. No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
Compare color variations between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. What colors are available?
Black
Tan
Red
Blue
Brown
Fawn
Chocolate
Blue
Red speckled
Blue speckled
Blue Mottled
Red Mottled
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Grooming Requirements
Compare grooming needs between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most maintenance?
Effortless: The Australian Kelpie requires minimal grooming.
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Effortless: The Blue Heeler requires minimal grooming.
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Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
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Drooling Tendency
Compare drooling tendencies between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which drools least?
The Australian Kelpie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Blue Heeler is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
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Stinkiness Rating
Compare odor levels between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has least natural smell?

Medium

The Australian Kelpie has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Blue Heeler has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
Compare coat types between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. How do their fur characteristics differ?
Double Dense Weather-resistant
Straight
Bathing Needs
Compare bathing needs between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which requires most frequent baths?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds.
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4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup.
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8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
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Shedding Level
Who sheds more Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois? Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or {name3 shedding:
Australian Kelpie dogs shed moderately.
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Blue Heeler dogs shed moderately.
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Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
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Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Compare child-friendliness between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best with kids?
Australian Kelpie dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most kid-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Australian Kelpie dogs are generally with other pets.
Blue Heeler dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois? Which dog is more friendly?
Australian Kelpie dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Australian Kelpie or Blue Heeler or Belgian Malinois?
Australian Kelpie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Blue Heeler dogs are not the most dog-friendly dogs.
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is good for the first-time owners: Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois?
Yes
Australian Kelpie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Blue Heeler dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Australian Kelpie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Blue Heeler is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Australian Kelpies are usually recommended for elderly people.
Blue Heelers are not the best breed for elderly people.
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Compare service dog potential between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for service work?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Therapy Work Suitability
Compare therapy dog potential between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which excels in therapy work?

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
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Scent Detection Ability
Compare detection capabilities between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has best nose work ability?

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Compare search and rescue potential between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for SAR work?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Compare boating aptitude between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best suited for water work?

Not really

Australian Kelpie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Blue Heeler breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
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Draft Work Capability
Compare cart pulling abilities between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which is best for draft work?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
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Military Service Background
Compare military service history of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most military use?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare typical litter sizes of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most puppies?
4-7 puppies 1-7 puppies 6-10 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare gestation periods of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Any breeding differences?
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding intervals between Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. What's recommended?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Australian Kelpie vs Blue Heeler vs Belgian Malinois Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC groups for Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI groups for Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. How are they classified internationally?
Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section. Not recognized by FCI. Not recognized by FCI.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare breed recognition status of Australian Kelpie, Blue Heeler, and Belgian Malinois. Which has most recognition?
American Canine Registry
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Foundation Stock Service
No data available American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Federation Cynologique Internationale
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club

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