Belgian Malinois vs Brussels Griffon
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Belgian Malinois
Herding Group
Brussels Griffon
Toy Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Belgian Malinois Overview
Belgian Malinois dogs showcase a powerful, well-muscled physique with distinctive upright ears and alert expression. Their short fawn-colored coat features black masking and ears. Athletic and graceful in movement, they possess a square-built frame with proud carriage. Their intelligent eyes and confident stance reflect their working heritage as exceptional herders and protectors.
Brussels Griffon Overview
Brussels Griffons captivate with their distinctive bearded faces and expressive, human-like eyes. These compact, sturdy dogs possess a domed head, short nose, and proud carriage that gives them an almost comic self-importance. Their coat comes in smooth or rough varieties, featuring rich red, black, or black and tan coloring. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with remarkable dignity and confidence.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Belgian Malinoiss are more energetic than Brussels Griffons, requiring more daily exercise.
- Grooming: Belgian Malinoiss require less grooming attention compared to Brussels Griffons.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Belgian Malinoiss tend to be more reserved with strangers than Brussels Griffons.
- Trainability: Brussels Griffons may be slightly easier to train due to their Brussels Griffon's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Brussels Griffons adapt better to apartment living, while Belgian Malinoiss typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Belgian Malinois and Brussels Griffon, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-15 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Toy Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 7-10 inches 18-25 cm |
| Weight | 40-80 lbs 18-36 kg | 8-10 lbs 4-5 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Hardworking | Loyal, Alert, Curious |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Brussels Griffon |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Belgian Malinois Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is known for being confident, smart, hardworking, making them better suited for homes without young children. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. With their high energy levels, they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.
Brussels Griffon Temperament
The Brussels Griffon is characterized by being loyal, alert, curious, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They generally welcome strangers, making them sociable companions rather than protective guardians. Their moderate energy level makes them versatile companions that can adapt to your activity level, though regular exercise is still important.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Belgian Malinois and Brussels Griffon, there are notable differences in their temperaments that potential owners should consider:
Sociability with Strangers
Good with Children
Side-by-Side Trait Ratings
GOOD WITH YOUNG CHILDREN
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 3/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 2/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Brussels Griffon
Rating: 4/5
Care & Maintenance
Belgian Malinois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Malinoiss require significant daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and more vigorous activities like running, swimming, or fetch.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Belgian Malinoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Brussels Griffon Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Brussels Griffons need regular daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Brussels Griffons require significant grooming attention. This includes brushing several times per week to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Professional grooming every 4-8 weeks is typically necessary.
Health & Lifespan
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Brussels Griffon Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Syringomyelia
- Patellar luxation
- Eye problems
- Heart defects
- Hip dysplasia
Pros & Cons
Belgian Malinois
Pros
- Highly intelligent
- Excellent working ability
- Athletic
- Loyal
- Protective
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Intense drive requires management
- Can be too protective
- Needs experienced handler
Brussels Griffon
Pros
- Affectionate with family
- Good apartment dog
- Low exercise needs
- Intelligent
- Alert watchdog
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Sensitive to harsh correction
- May be vocal
- Not ideal with young children
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Belgian Malinois and Brussels Griffon, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.