Belgian Malinois vs Russell Terrier
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
Russell Terrier
Terrier 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.
Russell Terrier Overview
Russell Terriers are compact, muscular dogs with distinctive V-shaped ears and alert expressions. Their strong, flexible bodies feature a balanced proportion between height and length. The predominantly white coat may have tan or black markings, remaining harsh and weather-resistant. These agile terriers move with purpose and precision, displaying the athletic build essential for their historical hunting abilities.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Belgian Malinoiss are less energetic than Russell Terriers, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Belgian Malinoiss require less grooming attention compared to Russell Terriers.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Belgian Malinoiss tend to be more reserved with strangers than Russell Terriers.
- Trainability: Russell Terriers may be slightly easier to train due to their Russell Terrier's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Russell Terriers 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 Russell Terrier, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Toy |
| Life Expectancy | 14-16 years | 12-14 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Herding Group | Terrier Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm | 10-12 inches 25-30 cm |
| Weight | 40-80 lbs 18-36 kg | 9-15 lbs 4-7 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Medium coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Medium |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Occasional |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Smart, Hardworking | Alert, Inquisitive, Lively |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Belgian Malinois | Russell Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Russell Terrier Temperament
The Russell Terrier is characterized by being alert, inquisitive, lively, which makes them better for households without small children. With their moderate intelligence, they can learn with consistent training methods. They're naturally cautious around strangers, which enhances their ability to serve as watchdogs. Their high energy requires substantial daily exercise and activities to keep them physically and mentally satisfied.
Temperament Comparison
When comparing the Belgian Malinois and Russell Terrier, 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
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 5/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Russell Terrier
Rating: 3/5
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.
Russell Terrier Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Russell Terriers need substantial daily exercise, including at least 60-90 minutes of physical activity. This should include walks, play sessions, and more intense activities like running, swimming, or agility training.
Grooming Requirements
With their medium coat coat, Russell Terriers require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Russell Terrier Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- Lens Luxation
- Deafness
- Legg-Calve-Perthes
- Glaucoma
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
Russell Terrier
Pros
- Highly energetic and playful
- Compact size suits various homes
- Intelligent and trainable
- Low grooming requirements
Cons
- High exercise needs
- Strong prey drive
- Can be stubborn
- May be vocal
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Belgian Malinois and Russell Terrier, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.