Saint Bernard vs Belgian Malinois
Comprehensive comparison of two popular breeds to help you decide which one might be the better fit for your lifestyle and preferences.
Saint Bernard
Working Group
Belgian Malinois
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Saint Bernard Overview
Saint Bernards are majestic giants with powerful, muscular bodies and distinctive broad heads. Their thick double coat comes in white with red, brown, or brindle markings. Known for their gentle expression and patient demeanor, these dogs combine impressive strength with remarkable gentleness. Their deep chest, strong legs, and massive frame reflect their historical role as mountain rescue dogs.
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.
Key Differences
- Energy Level: Saint Bernards are less energetic than Belgian Malinoiss, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Saint Bernards require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Malinoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Saint Bernards tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Malinoiss.
- Trainability: Saint Bernards may be slightly easier to train due to their Saint Bernard's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Belgian Malinoiss adapt better to apartment living, while Saint Bernards typically prefer homes with more space.
Detailed Comparison
Below is a comprehensive side-by-side comparison of the Saint Bernard and Belgian Malinois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Large | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 8-10 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Working Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 26-30 inches 66-76 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 120-180 lbs 54-82 kg | 40-80 lbs 18-36 kg |
| Coat Type | Short, dense coat | Short, dense coat |
| Coat Length | Short | Short |
| Shedding | Seasonal | Seasonal |
Temperament & Behavior
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Playful, Charming, Inquisitive | Confident, Smart, Hardworking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Saint Bernard | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Saint Bernard Temperament
The Saint Bernard is known for being playful, charming, inquisitive, making them excellent family dogs. Their moderate intelligence means they can be trained with consistent effort. They tend to be reserved with strangers, which makes them good watchdogs. Their moderate energy level makes them adaptable to different lifestyles, though they still need regular exercise.
Belgian Malinois Temperament
The Belgian Malinois is characterized by being confident, smart, hardworking, 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 Saint Bernard and Belgian Malinois, 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
Saint Bernard
Rating: 5/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Saint Bernard
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Saint Bernard
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Saint Bernard Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Saint Bernards require moderate daily exercise, including about 30-60 minutes of physical activity. This can include walks, play sessions, and moderate activities like walking and interactive play.
Grooming Requirements
With their short, dense coat coat, Saint Bernards require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to prevent matting and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be beneficial.
Belgian Malinois Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Belgian Malinoiss 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 short, dense coat coat, Belgian Malinoiss require moderate grooming. This includes regular brushing to maintain coat health and reduce shedding. Occasional professional grooming may be helpful.
Health & Lifespan
Saint Bernard Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Bloat
- Heart Issues
- Eye Problems
- Elbow Dysplasia
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Saint Bernard
Pros
- Gentle and patient with children
- Loyal and protective
- Good-natured temperament
- Excellent cold weather tolerance
Cons
- Heavy drooling
- Expensive to feed and maintain
- Short lifespan
- Not suited for hot climates
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
Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?
Now that you've compared the Saint Bernard and Belgian Malinois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.