Breed comparison
Australian Cattle Dog vs Belgian Malinois
How the two breeds compare on the American Kennel Club's 1 to 5 trait ratings, and which one suits which home.
Australian Cattle Dog
3Affection with family3
3Good with young children3
3Good with other dogs3
3Openness to strangers3
3Playfulness3
5Energy level4
4Trainability5
4Mental stimulation needs4
3Adaptability3
4Watchdog / protective4
1Barking3
3Shedding3
1Coat grooming2
1Drooling1
The biggest differences
- Barking: the Belgian Malinois scores 3 out of 5, the Australian Cattle Dog 1.
They score the same on affection with family, good with young children, good with other dogs, openness to strangers, playfulness, mental stimulation needs.
Which one should you choose?
Pick the Australian Cattle Dog if you want an energetic exercise partner, you want a quieter dog. Pick the Belgian Malinois if you prefer a calmer dog, you want a dog that is easier to train.
Ratings are general breed tendencies from the AKC. Every dog is an individual, so meet the dog, and its parents if you can, before you decide. Not sure? Try the breed selector.
Source: American Kennel Club breed ratings (compiled February 2022). How we check.