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Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Comparison – Which dog is better Malinois or Sheepdog?

"Find similarities and differences between Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie" Compare Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which is better: Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
 
 
 
Name Belgian Malinois Border Collie
OriginsBelgium flagBelgium England flagEngland Scotland flagScotland Wales flagWales
Group Pastoral / Herding Dogs Pastoral / Herding Dogs
Popularity Rank4438
Reviews1013
User Ratings

Common Names & Aliases
Compare different names used for Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. What other names are these breeds known by?
Malinois Sheepdog
Scotch Sheep Dog
Breed Classification
Compare breed classifications between a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. Learn about their genetic backgrounds.
Purebred Purebred

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Size and Weight Comparison

Size Classification
Which is bigger: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare size differences between these breeds.
Large Large
Weight Statistics
Compare weight ranges between a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. Which breed is heavier?
Male: 65-75 pounds (29-34 kg), Female: 60-70 pounds (27-32 kg) Male: 30-45 pounds (14-20 kg), Female: 27-42 pounds (12-19 kg)
Average Weight
Which dog has a smaller / higher average weight?
Male: 70 pounds (31.5 kg), Female: 65 pounds (29.5 kg) Male: 37.5 pounds (17 kg), Female: 34.5 pounds (15.5 kg)
Height
Which is taller, Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Is a Belgian Malinois taller than a Border Collie?
Male: 24-26 inches (61-66 cm), Female: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm) Male: 19-22 inches (48-56 cm), Female: 18-21 inches (46-53 cm)
Average Height
Which dog has a smaller / higher average height?
Male: 25 inches (63.5 cm), Female: 23 inches (58.5 cm) Male: 20.5 inches (52 cm), Female: 19.5 inches (49.5 cm)

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Price and Availability Comparison

Price Range
Compare puppy prices between a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. Which breed costs more?
$1200-$1400 $600-$800
Availability
Which is easier to get, Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Very frequent: The Belgian Malinois is quite easy to get.
Very frequent: The Border Collie is quite easy to get.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Trainability and Intelligence Comparison

Intelligence Rating
Which is smarter: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare intelligence rankings and learning abilities.
Very smart: Belgian Malinois is an excellent dog breed.
See more.
Outstanding: Border Collie is one of the brightest dog breeds.
See more.
Training Difficulty
Which is easier to train: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare training requirements.
Belgian Malinois dogs are very easy to train.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are easy to train.
See more.
Watchdog Rating
Which makes a better watchdog: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare alertness levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are one of the best watchdogs.
See more.
Territorial Protection
Which is more protective: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare territorial behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs strongly protect their territory.
See more.
Border Collie dogs are extremely protective guard dogs.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Personality and Temperament Comparison

Personality Traits
Compare personalities of a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. How do their temperaments differ?
Active
Stubborn
Protective
Alert
Confident
Friendly
Watchful
Hard working
Energetic
Protective
Alert
Intelligent
Responsive
Loyal
Tenacious
Sensitivity Level
Which dog is more sensitive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds.
See more.
Sensitive: Border Collie dogs don't like an irregular daily routine, noisy household, and frequent guest visits.
See more.
Affection Level
Which is the more affectionate dog breed: Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Slightly Below Average: Belgian Malinois dogs may seem unfriendly sometimes due to their independence.
See more.
High: Border Collie dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers.
See more.
Social Needs
Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie social needs comparison:
Belgian Malinois dogs are a social breed.
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Border Collie dogs need a lot of social interaction.
See more.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
Which dog has a greater roaming instinct? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
The wanderlust potential of the Belgian Malinois is strong enough to escape from home.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have average wanderlust potential.
See more.
Prey Drive
Which dog has a higher prey drive? What's the difference between Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie? Which can be better for hunting?
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.
See more.
Border Collie 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.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Activity and Playfulness Comparison

Barking Frequency
Which breed barks more: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare vocalization tendencies.
Average to High: The Belgian Malinois is a vocal breed.
See more.
Low to Average: The Border Collie rarely barks.
See more.
Playful Nature
Which breed is more playful: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare play drive and energy.
The Belgian Malinois is a highly playful breed.
See more.
The Border Collie is a highly playful breed.
See more.
Apartment Adaptability
Which is better for apartments: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare living space needs.
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.
It is not recommended to keep the Border Collie breed in the home.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Adaptability and Independence Comparison

Lifestyle Adaptability
Which adapts better to changes: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare adaptability levels.
Belgian Malinois dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Border Collie dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
Alone Time Tolerance
Which dog can be left alone: Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
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.
Border Collie dogs tend to have separation anxiety when their owners left them alone at home because they bond very closely with them.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Bite Characteristics Comparison

Bite Risk Assessment
Which has lower bite risk: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare biting tendencies.

Low 🔽

The Belgian Malinois has a low chance of biting somebody.

Low 🔽

The Border Collie has a low chance of biting somebody.
Mouthing Tendency
Which is more mouthy: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare mouthing behaviors.
Belgian Malinois dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
See more.
Border Collie dogs have a strong tendency to nip, chew, play-bite, or herd people.
See more.
Bite Strength Rating
Which has a stronger bite: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare bite force PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Belgian Malinois bite force: Weak.

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Border Collie bite force: Ordinary.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Health and Lifespan Comparison

Average Lifespan
Which lives longer: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare average lifespans.
12-14 years
The average lifespan of Belgian Malinois: 13 years
11-15 years
The average lifespan of Border Collie: 13 years
Climate Tolerance
Which handles weather better: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare climate tolerances.
Tolerates warm and cold weather
Dogs that tolerate hot and cold weather are typically those that have a double coat of fur.
See more.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Border Collie can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
See more.
Health Concerns
Compare common health issues between a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie. Which breed is healthier?
The Belgian Malinois is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
The Border Collie 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: Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Average
The Belgian Malinois should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Average
The Border Collie should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year.
Health Problems
Which one has more or less genetic/health problems: Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie? What are the allergies, genetic diseases and concerns for them? Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie health problems comparison:
Hip Dysplasia
Eye Problems
Epilepsy
Elbow Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia
Allergies
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
Epilepsy
Collie Eye Anomaly
Osteochondrosis Dissecans

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Energy and Activity Comparison

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

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Diet and Weight Management Comparison

Obesity Tendency
Which gains weight easier: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare obesity risks.
Low to Average: The Belgian Malinois has a low to the average risk for obesity.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie has an average risk for obesity.
See more.
Food Consumption
Which eats more: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare daily food needs.
2 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals. 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two or three meals.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Allergies and Grooming Comparison

Allergy Friendliness
Which is more hypoallergenic: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare allergy friendliness.
No See more. No See more.
Coat Colors
What color variations exist for Belgian Malinois and Border Collie? Compare breed colors.
Black
Cream
Fawn
Brindle
Black
Tan
Red
Sable
Brindle
Lilac
Gold
Seal
White & Red
Slate
Sable Merle
Black & White
Tricolor
Blue merle
Blue merle-tricolor
Slate merle
Red merle
Saddleback Sable
White & Blue
White & Blue Merle
White & Red Merle
White Ticked
White & Gold
White & Sable
White & Seal
Grooming Requirements
Which needs more grooming: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare maintenance needs.
Average: The Belgian Malinois requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Average: The Border Collie requires average grooming effort.
See more.
Drooling Tendency
Which drools more: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare drooling amounts.
The Belgian Malinois is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
The Border Collie is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
See more.
Stinkiness Rating
Which has less odor: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare natural smell levels.

Medium

The Belgian Malinois has an average chance of bad smell.

Medium

The Border Collie has an average chance of bad smell.
Coat Characteristics
How do coats differ between a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie? Compare fur types.
Weather-resistant
Straight
Dense
Feathered
Straight
Short
Moderately Long
Bathing Needs
Which needs more baths: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare bathing frequencies.
8-12 weeks
Very rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
6-8 weeks
Rarely. Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one.
See more.
Shedding Level
Who sheds more Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Do Belgian Malinois dogs shed more than Border Collie dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs shed moderately.
See more.
Border Collie dogs shed moderately.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Good With Comparison

Child Compatibility
Which is better with children: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare kid-friendliness.
Belgian Malinois dogs are kid-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are very kid-friendly dogs.
Pet Compatibility
Which dog breeds get along well with other animals/pets?
Belgian Malinois dogs are generally with other pets.
Border Collie dogs are generally with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Which dog is more stranger friendly Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Which dog is more friendly?
Belgian Malinois dogs are not the most stranger-friendly dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
Which dog is more cat friendly Belgian Malinois or Border Collie?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards cats.
Dog Friendly
Which dog is more dog friendly Belgian Malinois or Border Collie? Can a Belgian Malinois and a Border Collie be friends? Do Belgian Malinois dogs get along with Border Collie dogs?
Belgian Malinois dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Border Collie dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Which dog is best for first time owners: Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie?
Yes
Belgian Malinois dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Yes
Border Collie dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Which one fits better in the office?
No
Belgian Malinois is not the best dog breed for office environment.
No
Border Collie is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Which dog is good for elderly people?
Belgian Malinoiss are usually recommended for elderly people.
Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie As a Working Dog Comparison

Service Dog Capability
Which makes a better service dog: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare service capabilities.

Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
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Yes

This breed makes good as a service dog.
See more.
Therapy Work Suitability
Which is better for therapy work: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare therapy capabilities.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog.
See more.

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
See more.
Scent Detection Ability
Which is better at detection work: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare scenting abilities.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Search & Rescue Potential
Which is better for search and rescue: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare SAR abilities.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.

Yes

This breed would make an excellent search and rescue dog.
Maritime Work Ability
Which is better on boats: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare maritime abilities.

Not really

Belgian Malinois breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.

Not really

Border Collie breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.
See more.
Draft Work Capability
Which is better at pulling: a Belgian Malinois or a Border Collie? Compare draft work capabilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling.
See more.
Military Service Background
Compare military history between Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which has stronger military background?

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.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Reproducibility Comparison

Puppy Litter Size
Compare litter sizes between Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which has larger litters?
6-10 puppies 4-8 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
Compare pregnancy duration between Belgian Malinois and Border Collie breeds.
60-64 days See more. 60-64 days See more.
Breeding Frequency
Compare breeding frequencies between Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which needs longer recovery?

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy.
See more.

Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie Recognition Comparison

AKC Classification
Compare AKC classifications of Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which groups do they belong to?
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1959 as a Herding breed. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1995 as a Herding breed.
FCI Classification
Compare FCI classifications of Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which groups are they in?
Not recognized by FCI. Recognized by FCI in the Sheepdogs and Cattledogs (except Swiss Cattledogs) group, in the Sheepdogs section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Compare kennel club recognition between Belgian Malinois and Border Collie. Which is more widely recognized?
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
American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
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
The American Int. Border Collie Registry
The American Border Collie Association

Rate This Comparsion - Belgian Malinois vs Border Collie

Reviews

  • Heather

    Jan 8, 2020, 11:00:53 PM:

    Holy crap!!! This review is WAAYYY OFF with Malinois! PLEASE potential owners, run far far away from this page and check out a group who better understands the breed. "Average prey drive." Ha!

  • Enma

    Aug 29, 2021, 7:17:55 AM:

    Border Collies are one of the best breeds for elderly people? How?! They’re so energetic

  • Leona Reynolds

    Oct 20, 2021, 12:49:53 AM:

    This was an excellent review. Pretty much right on concerning the border collie. The only thing a border collie doesn’t have, if they could speak they would!

  • Alethea Evans

    Jun 17, 2022, 5:35:20 PM:

    I have a border collie and a malinois, and the malinois bite is way stronger! than my border collie. a border collie should never live outside, they should be inside,they get stolen! I don’t see how a BC or a malinois would be good for an elderly