Are you a dog lover who appreciates large dogs? Are you interested in bringing a guard dog into your home? A Belgian Malinois dog and a Doberman are two breeds of dogs that are sometimes mistaken for one another in public. Although being very different in appearance, these two dogs have several strange traits that confuse dog owners.
We’ll explore the similarities and differences between the two breeds, as well as the friendliness of each and their particular habits. The more information you have, the easier it will be to decide whether or not to bring a furry buddy into your house.
What Are the Differences between Belgian Malinois & Doberman dogs?
| Attributes | Belgian Malinois | Doberman |
| Good For First Time Owners | No | Yes |
| Good Guard Dog | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment Friendly | With Enough Training | Yes |
| Good Family Dog | With Enough Training | Yes |
| Shedding | Moderate To High | Low To Moderate |
| Height | 22-26 inches (56-66 cm) | 25-28 inches (64-71 cm) |
| Average Life Expectancy | 12-14 Years | 10-13 Years |
| Barking And Howling | Moderate To High | Moderate |
Belgian Malinois Dogs vs Doberman Dogs:
Dobermans and Belgian Malinois have long been favored by pet owners looking for large, tough breeds. However, understanding their distinctions is a significant approach.
1- Doberman vs Malinois Dogs; Their Size
Both of these breeds are very different in terms of size and weight. For a female Belgian Malinois, you may expect to find her weight between 40 and 60 pounds, while a male Belgian Malinois might weigh between 60 and 80 pounds.
Also, a female Doberman may weigh between 60 and 90 pounds, while a male can weigh between 75 and 100 pounds. As a result, Dobermans are larger and heavier than Belgian Malinois dogs.
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2- Doberman vs Malinois; Life Expectancy
When comparing these two breeds, lifespan is an important issue. When it comes to lifespan, the Malinois may live up to 16 years, whereas the Doberman only has a 12-year life span. This is largely due to health issues, nutrition, living circumstances, and activity.
3- Doberman vs Malinois; Behavior Traits
Both the Belgian Malinois dogs and the Doberman are known for their toughness and ability to protect their owners.
Despite their love of human companionship, Belgian Malinois needs early training to get the most out of this dog. They’re not very violent or shy, but they’re quite protective of their owners and belongings. As a result, they’re fantastic watchdogs.
On the other hand, Dobermans have a mild disposition and like spending time with people. Dobermans are excellent watchdogs because of their undying loyalty to their owners and their intimidating appearance. They’re wary of outsiders and protective of their possessions. In addition, they’re quite trainable, particularly while they’re young.
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4- Doberman vs Malinois Dogs; The Price
Malinois and Doberman are indeed both uncommon breeds, but if you are going to purchase one, the Doberman is more expensive. Both have some similarities, and if you want to pay less, we suggest you buy Malinois Dogs.
5- Doberman vs Malinois; Levels of Energy
Dogs with lots of energy are favorites among pet owners everywhere. Both of these breeds have a lot of energy and are quite lively. This is the strongest similarity between these two. They are the essence of activity, since they are both high-energetic and low-maintenance.
6- Doberman vs Malinois; Amount of Education Needed
When it comes to training, both dogs need a lot of time and effort. Dogs like them may be taught simply, and they can even be used as guard dogs and companions in the house. You don’t have to be an expert trainer or an expert owner to train your dog.
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7- Doberman vs Malinois; Intelligence
Both the Malinois and the Doberman are clever and devoted companions. If you have kids in the home, these breeds will become too protective of them. While their warmth toward outsiders may be lacking, they go over and above with family members.
Which Breed Is the Best Fit for You?
People who like large dogs tend to choose Belgian Malinois and Doberman breeds. If you’ve found your way here, you’re not the only one having trouble figuring out which way to go. With that in mind, which of these two breeds would be easier for you in terms of everything from training to grooming? We’ll get to the bottom of this.
A Doberman is an excellent option if you’re a first-time dog owner. On the other hand, beginners should avoid Belgian Malinois.
Both of these breeds are excellent companions when it comes to children and pets. Dobermans, on the other hand, are more loving and more child-friendly than Malinois dogs.
Taking care of a dog’s coat takes less time and effort with a Doberman, but a Belgian Malinois does need bathing or combing from time to time.
Getting a Belgian Malinois as a pet if you live in an apartment is a bad choice since this dog needs a space to run about in. Having a Doberman as a pet might still be a good option for apartment dwellers.
When picking a breed, environment and temperature are crucial elements. A Doberman might be a better choice for those who live in hot areas since they can tolerate temperatures as high as 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
