Schipperke 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.
Schipperke
Non-Sporting Group
Belgian Malinois
Herding Group
Quick Comparison
Size
Lifespan
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Table of Contents
Breed Overview
Schipperke Overview
Schipperkes are small, sturdy dogs with distinctive black coats and fox-like faces. Their well-muscled bodies support an alert, confident stance, while their thick double coat forms a characteristic ruff, cape, and culottes. Standing 11-13 inches tall, these agile dogs move with purpose and grace, displaying their heritage as both watchdogs and ratters through their keen expression and quick movements.
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: Schipperkes are less energetic than Belgian Malinoiss, requiring less daily exercise.
- Grooming: Schipperkes require less grooming attention compared to Belgian Malinoiss.
- Temperament: While both breeds are intelligent, Schipperkes tend to be more reserved with strangers than Belgian Malinoiss.
- Trainability: Schipperkes may be slightly easier to train due to their Schipperke's higher intelligence ranking.
- Living Situation: Schipperkes 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 Schipperke and Belgian Malinois, covering everything from physical characteristics to care requirements.
Basic Information
| Feature | Schipperke | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Toy | Medium |
| Life Expectancy | 12-14 years | 14-16 years |
| Country of Origin | Unknown | Unknown |
| Breed Group | Non-Sporting Group | Herding Group |
Physical Characteristics
| Feature | Schipperke | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 10-13 inches 25-33 cm | 22-26 inches 56-66 cm |
| Weight | 10-16 lbs 5-7 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 | Schipperke | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Confident, Alert, Curious | Confident, Smart, Hardworking |
| Energy Level | | |
| Intelligence | | |
Compatibility
| Feature | Schipperke | Belgian Malinois |
|---|---|---|
| Good with Children | | |
| Good with Other Dogs | | |
| Apartment Friendly | | |
Temperament & Personality
Schipperke Temperament
The Schipperke is known for being confident, alert, curious, 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.
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 Schipperke 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
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
ENERGY LEVEL
Schipperke
Rating: 4/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 4/5
TRAINABILITY / INTELLIGENCE
Schipperke
Rating: 2/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 1/5
GROOMING NEEDS
Schipperke
Rating: 3/5
Belgian Malinois
Rating: 3/5
Care & Maintenance
Schipperke Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Schipperkes 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, Schipperkes 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
Schipperke Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Patellar Luxation
- MPS IIIB
- Thyroid Issues
- Eye Problems
- Hip Issues
Belgian Malinois Health Profile
Common Health Issues:
- Hip Dysplasia
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Pannus
- Thyroid Issues
Pros & Cons
Schipperke
Pros
- Excellent watchdog
- Compact size
- Low grooming needs
- Long lifespan
Cons
- Can be stubborn
- Barks frequently
- Strong prey drive
- Independent nature
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 Schipperke and Belgian Malinois, explore more breeds or use our breed matching tool to find the perfect dog for your lifestyle.